michelle ward

i *get* myself :)

While I tend to feel guilty buying anything for myself in December, that doesn't count for November!  Some recent cool finds from Etsy:  crocheted lariat from SewJennyJo,  felted scarf from DutchFeltArt, and more crocheted loveliness from ShelbyRose.  Don't forget to visit ETSY.com for your holiday shopping.  To revisit posts I've made about Etsy finds you can click on the category cloud at the left.

Tonight I posted a new crusade on my Street Team blog.  You know I love *signs*.  I am encouraging you to document yours in your journal, and share the story.  It's a cool thing knowing someone else's signs because when you see them you widen the circle of connection.  I know many of you think of me when you see pink socks, which means that Shannon is being thought of too, right?  It's all good.  Share your signs!

I need to make a journal page with pansies.  They are Mom's favorite flower.  Some years ago I got her a press so she could send me dried blossoms and I have handfuls of lovely pansies I've used to make her cards and gifts but I never have made a journal page about it.  I motivate myself to do it now.....and I will include that she turns 70 today!

love metal *

I love old embossed metal.  Love the grungy shabby chippy remnants from past eras.  Check out these cool items from Annette.  Isn't she clever to take these relics and turn them into new pieces?  Discarded tin being repurposed....and they even come with hooks so they are ready to hang.  Her Etsy site is here:  CottageInTheSun. 

 

I have had this ceiling tin hanging in my studio for years as inspiration.  I just discovered it holds magnets!  HCIT?  (Ceramic rose magnets were found online....just can't remember where I got them!)  The items below it aren't old....they are probably from Michaels or TJ Maxx.  I can't resist affordable metal stuff.

I've been meaning to try embossing metal myself, but have never armed myself with the proper tools.  (Lisa is really good at it and steps way out of the box with her tools.)  Someday I will take the plunge over at Ten Seconds Studio and drop a wad on some supplies.  I did develop a class on making faux ceiling tiles from paper and paint that is in the files somewhere.  Here's the photo:

I never taught that class but I use the technique alot...in fact, here is a page from my Stairway to Heaven book (sneak peek):

Love faking out the embossed look with stuff I already have.  Sa-wooon!
 
 

  * the post title is the name of my favorite HIM album.  i crack myself up ;)

see this and see ya

 

XO bowl:  reader Leau gave me the heads up and soon I was the owner of this lovely ceramic piece from Annie at Blissful Arts on Etsy.  Type-adorned bangles:  another reader Joan sent these!!  I love that you know what I love!  The hat:  I'm off to somewhere warm and sunny.  It's just me and he-who-doesn't-like-to-be-blogged-about at an undisclosed location :)  I'm a lucky girl ~ See you next week.

 

P.S.  It's been a busy summer for everyone so I've extended the current crusade to September 1st.  Come on over and Knock Yourself Off.

revealing...

Some recent updates.  (If you are reading through a feed you'll notice I don't approve full posts or graphics to appear so click on in.  I appreciate feed services as a way to be notified that a blog has been updated but it's my preference to limit the excerpt and invite you to come on over.)

 

New crusade is up, come over and play!   I've been working behind the scenes on assignment for my friend Lynne.  She had the impulse to try a slide show and before I knew it she had created 28 new pieces and some banner graphics.  We not only launched a new web page featuring these but we also got her set up with an Etsy shop where you can purchase her original art.

 

And because you asked for it.....

 

When I went in for my Shannon tattoo in May there was time for a quickie 2nd one!  The ankle ink is a repeat of a much larger one on my lower back but since I don't reveal that one too often I thought it would be fun to have it in a more visible place. 

 

 

I'm not going to apologize for showing tattoos on my blog....I know some people don't like seeing ink so I should probably have posted a warning.  I don't like food photos but people never warn you before they visually assault you with their dinner do they?  ;)

 

They say once you start....Of course I'm kidding with these.  Besides, no time for a tattoo, I'm hitting the road.  I've packed some pink socks - I know you are with me.  See you next week.  xoxo

goodie two shoes

 

Finished up a few pages - loving my new carved thorns.  Making tools and using them.  Very fulfilling. Yes, I keep re-visiting this quote.  It's a fave.  Yes, I keep re-using the same colors.  They are faves.  After mentioning that I wear my palette I realize I live in my palette too.  Yep - even have red walls, sage and mustard too.  No, I don't have black walls....just black furniture :)

 

Made an evidence page of my find - even took a rubbing of the sole.  Thanks for all your comments about my boots!  I've been wearing them every day.  I haven't worn suede boots in years - loved those slouchy pixies from my DD* days and wish I still had them as Fallon is dressing in 80s fashion this week at school.  Tomorrow is the Frankie Says Relax shirt.  (It's a repro from Target....my signed-by-the-band original T is retired from wear.)  *duranduran

Evidence of a Lucky Girl:  This perfect cup arrived from Carin - she gets me ;)  And Theresa gave me the heads up on the scrabble thing - Xs & Os glued into place, which I scooped up from ETSY:  RememberMeEmily.  And how about that cute card from Sam?  Priceless.

  

One week to go on the current Crusade.  After Shaping Up, we are now practicing Portion Control.   What I am talking about?  Come see!  Lots of crusaders have already shared their interpretations - so fun to learn from one another as we all try something at the same time.  Congrats to Cath Sheard for being the most recent Top Hat Pick.

some finds

Check out these cool zips!  I scored the turquiose one (in the banner) for a friend and found out I was Elaine's first etsy sale!  Check her out, but save a red rose for me!  Love those hearts.  Perfect for your Valentine.

 

I had a few rings made for myself from Alicia.  Is there a word or two you need?  Order one up!  And how about that Wink?  HAD to have it, made by Heather.

 

My friend Anne found a great "Get You" gift - a watch with the Big Ben face!  HCIT?  We were in England together a few years back.  OMG, nearly 25 years ago!

And a special ornament - I found it at TJ Maxx.  When I saw the packaging I scooped it up as it reminded me of the Angel Shannon gave me one year.  When I read the message on the wing I knew it was for me.  Now that my ornaments are safely put away I will hang this on my dresser mirror with the angel, to remind me to Rise.

drum roll.......

 

i know that they have several meaings - in gesture form it's 'crossing fingers' for good luck or to negate a promise, and the other is 'a-ok', or 'all is well'.  they are letters in sign language too. 

but to me, i see 'x' and 'o'.  in text-talk it's #9 x2, #6 x3.   tina got it first.  she knows me well.  and yes, megan, when they are finished, and on display in our home, it will be a *wink*.  

the clue:  journal pages from here and here.  and one of my graphics, made for inge last january to explain the meaning of "xo".

 

More on the subject, some etsy finds from Renee at PanicMama, and Andrea at SterlingNStones.  (More etsy finds after the 1st.)

 

This is a teeny weeny magnetic sculpture thing that is addictive to play with.  Scored it at Borders on one of those spinners at the checkout meant for impulse buyers like me.

  

And these, from Michaels, will be spray painted as soon as I can get outside to do it.

 

I promise you I'm not already in Valentine mode.  Just testing my camera :)

scoop

  

It's been a while since I've posted about some cool finds from ETSY.  Here are a few things I've gathered as gifts for birthdays and Christmas.  Shop now and scoop up some terrific artsy items for your loved ones.  Maybe you'll find something (like lists of somethings) you can suggest to Santa for yourself.

 

LOVE these little plates.  They are 3-1/2" inches and Caroline packs them so beautifully.  Visit PalomasNest to find a message that speaks to you or have one custom made.  And look at these lovelies from DGordon.  She has a clever thing going on - I can't wait to send!

 

My wish list from DownToTheWireDesigns is long.  Santa, are you listening? 

 

And check out these earrings from SmilingSoul2 and Gingeroni1.  Pretty earrings make you feel pretty don't you think?  Such yummy beads.  Browse both of their shops.

 

Someday I may learn to knit and felt, but for now I appreciate being able to buy handmades from others.  How about these roses!  I bought a red one to pin to my beret.  I think I need to go back for a pink one too.  Check out GoldiesKnits.

 

SCOOP of another kind.... Judi discovered this Depp photo which was leaked earlier this week.  A few sites have removed the image so I may be in trouble for posting this.  I was hoping Burton's Mad Hatter might look like V.V.  I'm just relieved it isn't Wonka-like, as in the Burton-Depp-Wonka.  It almost looks Wilder-Wonka-like.

 

Anyone see Twilight at midnight?  Me neither, but it's on the agenda for the weekend.  A quick look at the soundtrack:  no HIM.  What were they thinking?  Come on, at least use Vampire Heart.

 

Mad Hatter, yes.  Vampire, yes.  Hippo, what?  I have been watching this trailer with great amusement.  Check out Moto Moto, the large male hippo.  You HIM fans have probably already seen it. 

 

Ever the chameleon, tomorrow he's a birthday boy (32).

 

And congrats to Ingrid Dijkers for being the Top Hat pick for Crusade No. 24.  We're playing with gesso now.  Lots of cool stuff being shared by the teamers.  Come see. 

*launches etsy*

 

After being a fan and supporter of ETSY for some time now, I've finally launched my own shop!  I'm starting out by selling the remaining Marie Antoinette unmounted rubber stamp sets that were created for the collaborative project you read about HERE.  Before I was even able to get this post up some of them sold.  I have more to load tomorrow, and then will be working on painted canvases and maybe some other cool stuff to sell as I get the hang of this new thing.  If you haven't been to ETSY, scoot over there now and check out all the wonderful handcrafted goodies.  See my link, upper right. 

If you subscribe to Stampington's Post Script you can enter to win one of these sets too (by May 25th.) 

W.O.W.

More roses.  EB had a photo on her blog that reminded me of these pretties (actually it's on her banner now but she changes it all the time so you might miss it).  My grandfather, whose name we borrowed for our daughter Fallon, and affectionately called Bumpa, had these in his safe deposit box for years as they are silver, even the food-touching part.  He and my grandmother gave them to me - probably because I was the first to get married, and became a "W".  My silver chest is an eclectic collection of monogrammed silver from both sides of my family, in addition to pieces added from friends, and others found in dusty shops, brought home and shined up.  I cave for anything with "M" or "W".  I love setting the table with all the various pieces - reminds me of all my loved ones.

Some messing around with Photoshop.  Fun to try out the different options.  I've printed some of these on transparency to put in my journal, and will write down the stories behind each silver pattern and engraving.

Speaking of "M"s, scored this custom necklace from ETSY.  It is the coolest bezel I have ever seen on a typewriter letter.  Love when an artist finds a way to Make It Your Own.  And these tags rock too.

 

Visit Elizabeth's shop for all the cool stuff she makes with typewriter keys, watchparts, and....well, just go to KeysandMemories.etsy.com  And then pop over to see Kelly, and scoop up several batches of wonderful patterned die-cut doo-dahs for your journal at The Paper Pixie.

The scene from here.....no school today!  I have the new Somerset Studio, the March Vogue (over one inch thick!), the Oscar Special Vanity Fair, and Illusive 2 (I've already listed 30 sites to visit from this book!)  Who needs food?

i crack myself up

Last February I had a DUH-moment as I was chomping away on candy hearts and reading the messages.  You have to eat quite a few bags to collect this many LOVE HIMs.  Fast forward to last week - I was tooling around on ETSY, as I like to do, and saw the photo below (on the left). 

Duh!  I had to order a custom pendant.  HAD TO.   So I placed an order with Shannon @ rubygirl, HERE.  "LOVE HIM" arrived yesterday.  I knew she must be thinking that it was to honor my husband, or maybe the Lord, but I'll bet she didn't expect that it was about a band.  Love all of them - him, Him, and HIM. 

And love this!  Thanks Shannon. 

Love at my Door

First, some more ETSY love.  Gosh I adore that place.  It's so cool to see artists making and selling their heartfelt creations.  It's like having an indie boutique down the street.  First up:  Art and Ghosts.  The masked girl on the right has arrived from England.  Just charming.  Check her out.

Next, Julie @ Puffluna.  HAD to have that red rose ring.  I see she is now selling black and amber too.  Might need one for every finger.  Check her out....maybe a Valentine gift to yourself?

And then I found these cameos and cabochons from Robin at A2Z Designs....supplies for your heart art??

And last for today, Nicole's custom die-cut paper shop HERE.  Yes, you're onto me....I'm going to use them as masks.  I know what you're thinking:  Better go get some for yourself.

And more lovin' at my door....from Susan Warder, who blew me away with her clever heart stencil on the envelope, mimicking the postage stamp.  And what a delightful surprise to open and see a stencil she cut for me.  THIS ROCKS!  Thanks Susan!

More cool stuff from some love-spreaders who Get me.  I'm such a lucky girl.  And Faye, my mail carrier, gets a kick out of delivering the goods.

And a last thought for the day.  We are heading off to a comedy club for dinner and a performance as a fundraiser for a family we love who lost their son this year.  He battled cancer and was finally C-free but was taken by the angels in April.  I cannot begin to imagine their pain....but applaud them for moving forward by establishing a foundation that will do good things in Sean's name, and to do so with an event where we can all bury sadness for a breif moment, and laugh together.

Laughter, the best medicine.  Write your own Rx as needed.

it's all good

Wishing you all the best for 2008!  This year marks the 100th anniversary of the countdown at Times Square with a brand new Waterford Ball.  I've been there for a few - tonight will be perfect weather for those who witness it (even better for those of us at home watching).   Stay safe, and behave!

Found some artists I want to share with you.  The first is a photographer - I recently purchased a print of her Pierrot.  Isn't it fabulous?  You can visit Lara Jade at her site HERE, or at DeviantArt. 

I first saw Suzanna's work on Etsy.  Then I checked out her website and scored a full wall piece.  She also sells on Ebay.  Isn't she a clever one?  The one I got says "How wonderful life is while you're in the world".  You know you want one of these!

This pendant is even more amazing around my neck :)  Simone is a genius, not sure how she does it but had to have one!   

And how about these earrings?  Lisa has several "eyes" to choose from.  My fellow HIM fans will know why I had to have the Poe Eyes. 

And while many of us found ourselves in this headspace recently, a cousin of mine has been taking treatments of radiation for cancer in her brain.  Thankfully it's over, and we're praying it's gone.  How would you handle illness like this?  Maybe you have, or know someone who has.  If I had to shave my head the first thing I would do is collect some cool hats.  So that's what I did over my xmas vacation...made Kathy some hats.  I'm not so swift at it....but it made me feel good.   When you are long distance and you can't stop over with a meal.....you pray, and make hats. 

I've seen alot this year.  Some wonderful experiences with my family.  Some new friends, and visits with old friends.  Sadly, a few funerals.  Happily, a few births.  Some discoveries, and rediscoveries.  I scroll back through this last year of posts, and I know that it's only part of the life I have, but it's all good.  I am blessed.  And so it goes, into the time capsule for 2007. 

So here's wishing you good health, good times, and good friends to share it with.  xoxo, Michelle

still burning........

Wore one of these last night.  The concert rocked!  Fallon and I had a great time.  We caught up with Seppo who confirmed delivery of the GD and thanked us for the chocolates (offered as thank you and bribe).  It was really special to witness both the opening night (10/18) and the closing night (12/2) of this tour.  Ville was very charming and chatty.  We were even treated to an impromtpu very brief Poe poetry reading after a fan passed off a massive book of Poe's work. 

Bracelets shown above were custom ordered from Mindy Kuen @ Etsy.  Maybe there is someone on your gift list who would love one of her pieces?  Or maybe you have just the perfect word to have custom stamped on a charm to show someone you GET them. 

Congrats to Jodi Barone who was the Top Hat Pick for Crusade No. 14!  We shared the many faces and forms of MUSE.  Tonight I posted Crusade No. 15 ~ Where in the World?  Come over to the Street Team and see the mosh pit we've established. 

Or so the saying WENT

Who said Good Things Come In Threes?  I don't know, do you?  I used to love that saying, three being my favorite number.  But recently I got to wondering how Good Things in 3s became Bad Things in 3s.  Haven't you heard that one too?  Bad Things Come in 3s.  Bleh.  Let's do away with that shall we?

See I noticed this:  G.O.O.D. equals 4 letters.  B.A.D. equals 3 letters.  Shouldn't we change the rules?  Let's start saying Good Things Come in 4s.  That way there will always be one more Good Thing than Bad Thing.

And let's talk about Bad Things for a minute.  Bad is not a place I have ventured on this blog.  I'm not going there, just lightly dancing around it.  Just trying to get some perspective.  Like there are Bad Things and there are Bummers.  Say, for instance, Graham's two-year-old-IPOD-with-a-warranty-that-ended-in-July is toast.  It's not a Bad Thing, it's a Bummer.  But like all Bummers (and Bad Things), there is still something Good to be discovered.  It's a Good Thing he has used it every single day, getting enjoyment from our investment.  It's a Good Thing he can afford to buy another.  It may be toast, but it didn't get engulfed in a California house fire.  It's not an appliance he needs to sustain life.   And it's so insignificant when you find out some terrible news about someone you love.   

Isn't it interesting that we can find Good in the smallest of things if we set our focus to see it?  Have you noticed that Good attracts more Good?  And Bad attracts more Bad?  I wish I could find this article I read online to share with you.  It was about magnetism.  There was a study done where someone discovered you can actually measure magnetism within us.  And Good vibes, or whatever they are called, attracts more of same.  Think about that.  Want to change your path, your destiny, your attitude?  Be good, do good, see good.  Attract Good.

So four good things for today:

1.  Join me in wishing my dear friend Lisa a Happy Birthday.

2.  I met a new friend.  He tagged me, but I don't do tags.  Visit his new blog and his revamped site....and for sure look for the new Grungeboard demo here.  It's a Good Thing. 

3.  Sam and I are off to music therapy class, presented by NJ Very Special Arts for families with Autism.  We are lucky to participate in a program like this.  I look around at the other kids in his class and feel so blessed. 

4.  I heard some Bad news recently, but I can filter through it and find some Good.  I feel Good that I was the one who got the call.  I got to be there for someone.  That is so Good.  I know I can ask you (yes YOU) to say prayers with me.....that Good will prevail.  I know that you don't need the details, you'll just send your positive vibes our way.

EDIT:  Can't stop at 4. 

5. Coffeemate Gingerbread creamer.  Swoooon.  See how many good little things you can find when you're fending off bad stuff?

6.  More Moo.  Laurie shares her cards, the kind we were talking about the other day.  *Note to self:  have some made!*  You DO have Laurie's book don't you?  If not, add it to your xmas wish list!

7.  More ETSY love.....don't you need one of these?  8" high, 1/2" thick!  More letter styles available.  From www.damboisedesigns.etsy.com

8.  And from www.pleasebloom.etsy.com , this terrific piece.

And yes, I know THINGS don't make up all that is Good in life.  I do believe the quote:  "The best things in life aren't things", but sometimes things are just the Rx.  Besides, after shopping this week, at the mall and online, I've got half my xmas list taken care of!

Oh, and Graham's new ipod?  I think he likes it better than his old one.  It has video!

enabling...........

More ETSY love.  Just today this ring arrived.  Do you love it?  Do you need one?  Not only is it a beautiful design, but it feels really good on my finger.  It's so clever to sell rings with an open design so it can be tweeked a little if it doesn't quite fit.  Go visit April on ETSY.  She has many stunning items.....mine arrived lightning fast!

I'm still preparing my post about the grave dirt....look for it tomorrow. 

Obsession Confession

Not a big admission because you probably already GOT that about me.  I have been addicted to cool graphics and imagery for years.  At one point, back in my 20's, I thought about going back to school to get a degree in Graphic Design.  And although my degree is in architecture, I have alot of self-imposed training in graphics.   I'm self-taught in Photoshop - THAT is a serious addiction.

A year ago I wrote an article about Maximalism.  I wasn't even sure if that was the proper name for the graphic style I was discovering, but I had found a book by the same name and it seemed the right thing to call it.  Here you can see how I began making journal pages from collected imagery in magazines, and then I began playing with layering images digitally.  I've gotten much better since these were done because I stumbled upon making custom brushes.  Hello?  How come it took me so long to discover THAT?  In my article I emphasized the words above.  When you are attracted to something (for me it was magazine and tshirt graphics) you TRUST that is is something worth taking notice of, even if you don't know where it will lead.  Then you need to STUDY.  Learn as much as you can about the thing.  Next is to IMAGINE all the possible ways you can incorporate this thing into your art.  How can you make it happen?  What tools do you need?  Lastly, you need to determine how to make it your own.  PERSONALIZE your inspiration by processing through your own filters to make unique, individual, signature art. 

My fascination with layered graphics has been evolving and growing for about two years.  In addition to my observation of interesting text treatment in magazines, I found printed tshirts to be a fabulous resource of inspiration.

The more I studied this artform, the more I found.....books, websites, artists, who really got my attention.  Here is one of the first guys that made me nearly faint.....

And of course, I've talked about this one before.....a household name by now.  What?  You don't know him but you shop at Target?  Pay more attention!  Crossing fingers he's the featured artist again this xmas.

I could spend an entire day putting together a post about tattoos.  And about KatVonD. (She inks V.V.!) And about L.A. Ink.  I have a CRUSH on that show!  My most favorite thing is watching them sketch out their ideas.  I especially love watching Corey draw free hand right onto the skin.  Makes you want to draw, doesn't it?  I do make a practice of drawing alot, like a few times a week....but he makes me want to draw first thing every morning.  But that's not what I'm introducing as my next crush.  It's actually about tribal tattoo design.  I love the stark, slick, linear and curving graphics of tribal ink.  I've turned these photos into b&w so if you are not into this kind of thing it won't gross you out too bad.  I'm totally working tribal into my new line of rubber.  Are you surprised?  Not!

It was nearly 2 years ago that Graham got his first tat.  It had the tribal flare.  Really cool.  NEVER did I think I would get a tattoo.  Even after he got his it was not even on my radar.  Then about a year ago I caved.  This is on my lower back......the b&w graphic on the right, you silly, not the "You Rock".  THAT was created on a website....a very cool little trick.  Try it HERE.  But back to my tat...I love it so much I may have a mini version done on my ankle.  Who knew I'd be saying this! 

EDIT:  Forgot to include a Shout Out to Laura of MadScienceCreations on Etsy, where I got this cool ribbon because it's TRIBAL!  Don't you need some?  Go HERE.

So there you have it......a SMALL SAMPLING of visuals to express my CRUSH on graphics.  The tip of the iceberg really.  You get the idea.  I wondered for a long time where all this interest would take me - beyond designing stamps.  This week Susanna and I began a course in silk-screen printing.  I am thrilled to learn we will be making our screens through a film and emulsion process - although cutting the stencils would have been fine with me.  I can hardly stand how cool it will be to make my own graphic ts.  Editing my ideas will be the only drag.

Have a crush to share?  Of course you do!  We are passionate people and have alot we crush on, and we use our blogs to share big and mini crushes everyday!  Come over and share a few with the Street Team and see what else we are crushing on. 

I HEART ETSY

Got some of these terrific tags and labels, some for my journals, some just because they are cool.  Digital Paperie has lots of yummies....go see HERE.

More tags and cool labels for journaling - don't these rock?  Every Jot And Tittle, found HERE.

 

Need a good laugh?  You gotta visit Carol, she has a great sense of humor.  Not sure who or when I'd send these but they give me a smile just thinking about it.   A fave:  "What were you expecting ~ A Parade?"  Take a look, HERE.

Congrats to Suzanne Renfrow for being the Top Hat Pick for Crusade No. 10.  There was so much Love being Spread with the Mail Art!!!   We've already blasted through the starting gates with No. 11.  It's about expressing yourself in a different way this time - with MUSIC.  Come over and see....and I'll leave you with this lovely piece by Seether, featuring Amy Lee.  Click and Play.  Ok, another EDIT.  I removed the funky little player because I think it slowed up the page and nothing is more annoying than a jumpy page.  Drats.  (For video, see HERE)

EDIT:  Duh!  If I'm making plugs for cool shops on Etsy I should be including PhotoGlassworks by Tracy Antonik.  See her array of pendants HERE.  I met Tracy when I purchased the piece on the left.  She now sells pieces that include two of my own designs, middle and right.  So cool to see your digital work in miniature as a piece of jewelry! 

I have a few friends who plan to open Etsy shops.  Will report back when they are ready to show off!